Assessing performance and quality of a mobile communication service

ABSTRACT

A call quality monitoring system allows a user of a mobile device to report on call quality or otherwise provide information relating to the quality of a wireless communication experience. The call quality monitoring system may allow the mobile device user to establish or accept a call placed on the wireless communication network. The call quality monitoring system may provide at least partially-automated user-feedback process for the user to specify information about the quality of the call from a device from which the call was placed or from a device located at or near a location of the call. The call quality monitoring system may collect information provided by the user in association with specifying information about the quality of the call.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of, and claims priority to, U.S.patent application Ser. No. 11/227,972, filed Sep. 15, 2005, entitled“Assessing Performance and Quality of a Mobile Communication Service,”the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated herein byreference.

BACKGROUND

Maintaining quality of service in the eyes of customers is an importantfactor in services industries. This is especially the case in thewireless/mobile communications industry, where customers often basetheir decisions to join, or stay with a particular wireless serviceprovider based on the quality of the services provided. For example,with respect to wireless telephones, events such as recurring droppedcalls, poor sound quality during calls, and unexpected unavailability ofservice may drive customers to seek a new service provider, especiallygiven rising standards for call quality.

Currently, various techniques exist for monitoring quality of service inthe wireless communications industry. Some of these techniques, such asPESQ (Perceptual Evaluation of Speech Quality) obtain objective qualityof service information. For example, PESQ measures voice quality bycomparing an input test signal with the signal output across aconnection. Another objective technique, ITU-T E-model (e.g., ITU-T G.107) predicts conversational MOS (mean opinion score) from IP networksand/or terminal parameters. Subjective techniques also exist where testmobile devices are established to monitor sound quality. Serviceproviders often arrange for such testing immediately following networkupgrades, etc.

The techniques described above are often difficult to implement, may belimited in their capability to monitor an entire network, and may beexpensive, especially in the case of call quality monitoring techniquesthat utilize specialized infrastructure. Many of these techniques mayalso cause unwanted load on the network. In addition, it is often notpractical to implement such techniques on a regular basis. In addition,current quality monitoring techniques are difficult to implementthroughout the entire network, especially when networks may span such alarge and diverse geographical area. For example, current qualitymonitoring techniques may be implemented so that a single cell is usedto report on the quality of an entire region. Accordingly, it may bedifficult to accurately monitor all areas of the network using suchtechniques.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of an environment in whichthe invention may be implemented in one embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the mobile communication device ofFIG. 1 in one embodiment.

FIG. 3 is block diagram showing components of the mobile serviceprovider administration system of FIG. 1 in one embodiment.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are flow diagrams showing examples of high level callquality assessment routines in some embodiments.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram showing an example of an automatic callbackroutine for reporting on call quality in one embodiment.

FIG. 6 is flow diagram showing an example of an optional callbackroutine for reporting on call quality in one embodiment.

FIG. 7 is flow diagram showing an example of routine at the mobiledevice of FIGS. 1 and 2 for reporting on call quality using aquestionnaire in one embodiment.

FIG. 8 is flow diagram showing an example of routine at the mobileservice provider system of FIGS. 1 and 3 for reporting on call qualityusing a questionnaire in one embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a display diagram showing an example of a user interface foracquiring call quality information from a user of a mobile device in oneembodiment.

FIG. 10 is a display diagram showing a second example of a userinterface for acquiring call quality information from a user of a mobiledevice in one embodiment.

In the drawings, the same reference numbers identify identical orsubstantially similar elements or acts. To facilitate the discussion ofany particular element or act, the most significant digit or digits in areference number refer to the figure number in which that element isfirst introduced (e.g., element 204 is first introduced and discussedwith respect to FIG. 2).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

The invention will now be described with respect to various embodiments.The following description provides specific details for a thoroughunderstanding of, and enabling description for, these embodiments of theinvention. However, one skilled in the art will understand that theinvention may be practiced without these details. In other instances,well-known structures and functions have not been shown or described indetail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of theembodiments of the invention.

It is intended that the terminology used in the description presented beinterpreted in its broadest reasonable manner, even though it is beingused in conjunction with a detailed description of certain specificembodiments of the invention. Certain terms may even be emphasizedbelow; however, any terminology intended to be interpreted in anyrestricted manner will be overtly and specifically defined as such inthis Detailed Description section.

Representative System

FIGS. 1-3 and the following discussion provide a brief, generaldescription of a suitable computing/network environment in which thecall quality monitoring can be implemented. Although not required,aspects of the call quality monitoring are described in the generalcontext of computer-executable instructions, such as routines executedby a general-purpose computer, e.g., a server computer, wireless device,or personal computer. Those skilled in the relevant art will appreciatethat the invention can be practiced with other communications, dataprocessing or computer system configurations, including Internetappliances, hand-held devices (including PDAs), wearable computers, allmanner of cellular or mobile phones, multi-processor systems,microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, set-topboxes, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, and the like.Indeed, the terms “computer,” “device,” and “component” are generallyused broadly and interchangeably, and refer to any of the above devicesand systems, as well as any data processor.

Aspects of the call quality monitoring can be embodied in a specialpurpose computer or data processor that is specifically programmed,configured, or constructed to perform one or more of thecomputer-executable instructions explained in detail herein. Aspects ofthe call quality monitoring can also be practiced in distributedcomputing environments where tasks or modules are performed by remoteprocessing devices, which are linked through a communications network,such as a LAN, WAN, or the Internet. In a distributed computingenvironment, program modules may be located in both local and remotememory storage devices (e.g., including memory associated with fieldprograms, gate arrays, EPROM memory, etc.).

Aspects of the call quality monitoring may be stored or distributed oncomputer-readable media, including magnetically or optically readablecomputer discs, hard-wired or preprogrammed in chips (e.g., EEPROMsemiconductor chips), nanotechnology memory, photonic memory,biological-based memory, or other data storage media. Indeed, computerimplemented instructions, data structures, screen displays, and otherdata under aspects of the invention may be distributed over the Internetor over other networks (including wireless networks), on a propagatedsignal on a propagation medium (e.g., an electromagnetic wave(s), asound wave, etc.) over a period of time, or may be provided on anyanalog or digital network (packet switched, circuit switched, or otherscheme). Those skilled in the relevant art will recognize that portionsof the invention reside on a server computer, while correspondingportions reside on a client computer such as a mobile or portabledevice, and thus, while certain hardware platforms are described herein,aspects of the invention are equally applicable to nodes on a network.

Referring to FIG. 1, a system 100 on which the quality of serviceassessment system may be implemented is shown. The system of FIG. 1 isan example of a GPRS (general packet radio service) system based on GSM(global system for mobile communication). However, the invention may beimplemented on other types of systems, including a variety of cellularsystems. The system 100 includes a mobile device 102 (e.g., mobilephone, PDA, wireless laptop, etc.) in communication with a base station104. A base station controller 106 in communication with a serving GPRSsupport node (SGSN) 108 and a gateway GPRS support node (GGSN) 110together support packet switched transactions, which are handledseparately from circuit switched traffic that is supported by a mobileswitching center (MSC) 111. The MSC 111 also serves as an access pointfor the Public Switched Telephone Network.

The SGSN 108, GGSN 110, and MSC 111 interact with a home locationregister 112 (HLR). In some embodiments, the HLR 112 is the primarydatabase of permanent subscriber/customer information for the serviceprovider's mobile network. In the context of activated devices, the HLR112 may contain pertinent user information, including addressinformation, account status, and preferences. In some embodiments, avisiting location register (VLR) 114 manages requests from out-of-areasubscribers who are out of the area covered by their home system.

In the illustrated embodiment, the system 100 includes componentsassociated with quality of service assessment including a mobile serviceprovider administration system 120. The mobile service provideradministration system 120 may include a quality monitoring system 122, acall quality database 124, a customer care system 126, and a billingsystem 128, described in more detail with respect to FIG. 3. Customersmay interact with the mobile service provider administration system 120and its various components via the mobile device 102 and a wirelessservices network 116, as well as through other means, such as theinternet 118.

FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of a typical mobile communication device200, such as a mobile handset. While a mobile phone is shown as themobile communication device in FIG. 1, those skilled in the relevant artwill appreciate that the invention can be practiced with other devicesand configurations, including Internet appliances, hand-held devices,wearable computers, multi-processor systems, microprocessor-based orprogrammable consumer electronics, set-top boxes, PDAs, portable laptopcomputers, and the like. The term “mobile device” is intended to includeall such devices.

The mobile device 200 has one or more internal or external antennas 202for receiving and transmitting electromagnetic signals such as radiofrequency signals. A transceiver 204 is connected to the antenna(s) 202and typically provides modulation and demodulation of the transmittedand received signals, respectively. A processor unit 206 connected tothe transceiver 204 may comprise a signal processor, microprocessor,ASIC, or other control and processing logic circuitry. The processorunit 206 may perform signal coding, data processing, input/outputprocessing, power control, and other functions necessary forimplementing a mobile communication device. A customer may provide inputto the processor unit 206 via a keypad 208, microphone 210, ordisplay/touchpad 212. In turn, the processor unit 206 may provideinformation to the customer via the display/touchpad 212 or a speaker214.

The processor unit 206 may access information from, and storeinformation in, a nonremovable memory 216 or a removable memory 218. Thenonremovable memory 216 may consist of RAM, ROM, EPROM, a hard disk, orother memory storage technologies. The removable memory 218 may consistof Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards, which are well known in GSMcommunication systems, or other well-known memory storage technologies,such as “smart cards.” Various applications, including text messageapplications 220 and quality reporting applications 220, could beimplemented in either the removable memory 218 or the nonremovablememory 216. For example, the applications may include a user interfaceapplication (e.g., a Java applet) that allows a user to rate a call orother transaction (e.g., by pushing a particular button). Theapplications may allow rating in real time (e.g., while a call is inprogress) or, alternatively, after call has been completed. In someembodiments, an application used to rate a call or other communicationmay be located on a device that is separate from the device used toplace the call itself (e.g., a smart device with GPS compatibility sothat the precise location of the user can be identified if the phoneitself does not have such capabilities).

In some embodiments, a device location component 224 allows the locationof the device to be known to the wireless service provider, so that thewireless service provider can use this information (or pass it along)for the purpose of assessing call quality factors.

Referring to FIG. 3, a more detailed view of the mobile service provideradministration system 120 of FIG. 1 is shown. The mobile serviceprovider administration system 120 may include a call quality monitoringsystem 122 (also shown in FIG. 1). Various components of the qualitymonitoring system 122 may include a quality reporting customer interface302 and a quality reporting processing and analysis component 304. Bothof these components may communicate with a call quality database 124(also shown in FIG. 1). For example, in some embodiments the qualityreporting customer interface 302 may provide a way for customers tointeract with the quality monitoring system 122 and provide informationthat can then be processed by the quality reporting processing andanalysis component 304.

Both the data collected from the customer using the quality reportingcustomer interface 302 and the data resulting from processing by thequality reporting processing and analysis component 304 may be stored inthe call quality database 124. In some embodiments the quality reportingcustomer interface 302 may be limited to a physical device interface (asopposed to possessing application-based user interface characteristics).For example, if the user's mobile device includes a comprehensiveinterface for providing quality reporting information, the qualityreporting customer interface 302 may simply be an interface to retrieveinformation from the device. In contrast, if the user's mobile devicedoes not include a comprehensive reporting interface, the qualityreporting customer interface 302 may include various features that allowusers to answer questions and/or provide statements about the quality oftheir calls. For example, in some embodiments, quality reportingcustomer interface 302 may include automated telephone questioningsystems, a web server and related applications for providing onlinequestionnaires, etc.

In some embodiments, the quality monitoring system 122 may also includeother quality control components 306. For example these other qualitycontrol components may use objective standards for providing qualitycontrol information. Examples include PESQ systems, systems employingtest mobile devices, etc. In some embodiments, the information collectedby the other quality control components 306 may be compared withinformation obtained and retrieved by the quality reporting customerinterface 302 and processed by the quality reporting processing andanalysis component 304.

As described with respect to FIG. 1, the mobile service provideradministration system 120 may also include a customer care system 126and a billing system 128, which may optionally interact with the qualitymonitoring system 122 to address customer concerns such as droppedcalls, credits to service plans, etc.

Unless described otherwise below, aspects of the invention may bepracticed with conventional systems. Thus, the construction andoperation of the various blocks shown in FIGS. 1-3 may be ofconventional design, and need not be described in further detail hereinto make and use the invention, because such blocks will be understood bythose skilled in the relevant art. One skilled in the relevant art canreadily make any modifications necessary to the blocks in FIGS. 1-3 (orother embodiments or Figures) based on the detailed description providedherein.

System Flows

Referring to FIG. 4A, a high level call quality assessment routine 400may provide a means for customers to report on call quality inaccordance with some embodiments. At block 401 a call is initiated,which may include initiation at the network level and/or at the devicelevel. At block 402 the call is in progress. At block 403 the call isterminated. For example, the user may have hung up the device to end thecall, or the call may have been dropped due to inadequate service.

At block 404 a quality reporting option is initialized upon terminationof the call. For example, the user may receive a message requestinginput on the quality of the call or may be given the option to make acall to an automated quality monitoring reporting system. Many optionsfor reporting are available without departing from the scope of theinvention. At block 405 the quality monitoring system collects callinformation. At block 406 the quality monitoring system performsexploratory and/or automated data analysis. As a result of this dataanalysis, the quality monitoring system may identify issues not detectedby objective assessment of individual network modes (block 406 a);quantify actual customer experience across the entire communicationnetwork (block 406 b); assess the impact of changes made to thecommunication network (block 406 c); identify, localize, and resolvecall quality degradation issues (block 406 d), network, assess theimpact of changes made to the communication network, identify, localize,and resolve call quality degradation issues, etc.

FIG. 4B shows a high level call quality assessment routine 420, similarto the routine 400 of FIG. 4A, but where the call quality information iscollected from the user while the call is still in progress. For exampleat block 421 a call is initiated, which may include initiation at thenetwork level and/or at the device level. At block 422 the call is inprogress. At block 423, the quality monitoring system collects callinformation during the call. For example, the user may be able to push abutton on the phone each time he or she feels that call quality duringthe call is below an acceptable level. At block 424 the call isterminated. For example, the user may have hung up the device to end thecall, or the call may have been dropped due to inadequate service. Atblock 425 the quality monitoring system performs exploratory and/orautomated data analysis based on the information collected at block 423.Some of this analysis may also occur while the call is in progress. As aresult of this data analysis, the quality monitoring system may identifyissues not detected by objective assessment of individual network modes,quantify actual customer experience across the entire communicationnetwork, assess the impact of changes made to the communication network,identify, localize, and resolve call quality degradation issues, etc.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram showing an example of a routine 500 forcollecting quality information is collected by an automatic callbackfeature. At block 501 the call is terminated. At block 502 the qualitymonitoring system sends a message to the device to perform auto callbackupon completion of a call. Alternatively, the device may be programmedto automatically place such a call, depending on the conditions presentat the device (e.g., termination of a call by the user, termination of acall due to loss of service or other network problem, etc.).

At block 503 the quality monitoring system receives a callback from themobile device. When this occurs, mobile device may ring as the call isbeing placed automatically by the mobile device. In some cases the usermay have the option of hanging up or discontinuing the feedback call ifthe user does not want to provide input at this time. At block 504 thequality monitoring system receives user input via the automatic call.The routine 500 ends after block 504.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram showing an example of a callback option routine600 for providing an opportunity for the user to optionally providefeedback on a call that was recently made. In this routine 600, the userhas the option of whether or not to continue with a reporting callbefore the call is made. At block 601 a call is terminated. At block 602the quality monitoring system sends a message to the device to promptthe user for a callback. Alternatively, the device may be programmed todisplay such a message without a prompt from the quality monitoringsystem. For example the user may receive a message displayed on his orher device screen requesting whether the he or she would like to callback and report on call quality at the current time.

At decision block 603, if the user selects to go forward with thecallback option, the routine 600 continues at block 604. Otherwise theroutine ends without reporting. At block 604 the routine receives anauto callback call from the device in response to the user's selectionto provide feedback. At block 605 the quality monitoring system receivesuser input. After block 605 the routine ends.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram showing an example of a routine 700 for apost-call questionnaire, where the questionnaire is executed by aprogram on the mobile device itself At block 701 the call is terminated.At block 702 the routine 700 begins executing at the mobile device. Atblock 703 the routine 700 poses a next question to the user. At decisionblock 704 if the routine 700 has posed a last question to the user, theroutine 700 continues at block 705. Otherwise, the routine 700 loopsback to block 703 to pose the next question to the user. At block 705,assuming all questions have been posed to the user, the routine 700sends a response to the call quality monitoring system. For example, theroutine 700 may provide data comprising a completed series of questionsor statements by the user on call quality.

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram showing an example of a routine 800 forpresenting a post call questionnaire to the user of a mobile device,where the routine 800 is executed from the quality monitoring system. Atblock 801 the call is terminated. At block 802 the routine 800 contactsthe device to initiate connection with the questionnaire application. Atblock 803 the routine 800 provides a next question to the device. Atblock 804 the routine 800 receives a response from the device (e.g.,provided by the user as a response to a question in the questionnaire).At decision block 805, if the last question has been posed, the routine800 ends. Otherwise, the routine 800 moves back to block 803 to providethe next question to the device.

User Interface for Collecting Call Quality Information

FIG. 9 is a display diagram showing various examples of providing a userof a mobile device with an option to answer questions relating to callquality. With respect to display 902, a call has been dropped due to aservice problem, and the user is asked: “Would you like to report oncall quality now?” In this example, the user may select either “yes” or“no” using appropriate device keys.

In another example shown in display 904, a message provides: “Rate thequality of your last call now and receive free airtime minutes.” Theuser may then respond “yes” or “no” as to whether he or she wishes torate the call at the present time.

In a third example shown in display 906, a message provides three ratingoptions: “Select 1 to report on call quality now”; “Select 2 to reporton call quality later”; and “Select 3 to opt out of reporting callquality in relation to the current call.” If the user selects the firstoption, the device may present a text questionnaire to the user or makea call to an automated quality reporting system, as described in moredetail in the preceding flow diagrams and with respect to FIG. 10.Alternatively if the user selects to report on call quality later, theuser may be given the option to provide feedback at a later time via anyone of a number of means (e.g., Internet questionnaire, automated, call,text message on device screen, etc.).

FIG. 10 is a display diagram showing an example of a user interface forreporting call quality. Display 1002 shows a text mode where the user isasked to report on call quality after a dropped call using textmessaging or similar means. For example the user may be requested toanswer the question: “Did the signal strength vary during your call?” Tothis the user may respond either “yes” or “no” using appropriate buttonson his or her device.

Display 1004 illustrates reporting on call quality using an audio mode(e.g., automated telephone system). For example, the user may be askedto “describe the quality of your last call.” The user's response maythen be recorded and or automatically processed. In another example, theuser may be asked: “What was the signal strength just prior to the timethat the call was dropped? For poor select or say 1 or moderate . . . ”Another question that the user may be asked is “Have you had problemswith dropped calls in this area before?”

While specific examples are given here for the purpose of illustration,regardless of the mode used (e.g., text mode 1002, in an audio mode1004, or in another mode not illustrated here), any number of questionsmay be asked to the user for quality reporting. While by no means allinclusive, the table below shows examples of other types of questionsthat may be posed to users in determining call quality:

Sound Quality On a scale of 1-5, with 5 being the best quality sound,how would you rate the quality of the sound of your call? Were you ableto hear the person on the other end of the line clearly during the call?Never? Rarely? Most of the time? Always? Was the person on the other endof the line able to hear you during the call? Never? Rarely? Most of thetime? Always? Do you have repeated problems with sound quality whenplacing calls in this area? Noise On a scale of 0-5 with 0 being nodetectable background noise, how would you rate the amount of backgroundnoise of your call? How often were you able to hear unwanted backgroundnoise during your call? Never? Rarely? Most of the time? Always? Whatwas the severity of background noise during your call? Greatly affectedability to hear content of call. Somewhat affected ability to hearcontent of call. Did not affect the ability to hear content of call butwas annoying. Was audible but not distracting. No detectable backgroundnoise present Do you have repeated problems with sound quality whenplacing calls in this area? Dropped Call Did the signal strength varyduring your call? What was the signal strength at the time the call wasplaced? What was the signal strength just prior to the time the call wasdropped? Have you had problems with dropped calls in this area before?How many calls do you make in the area that the call was dropped? Howmany times did you attempt to reconnect the same call? SubjectiveReponses Describe the quality of your last call. Describe your overallsatisfaction with the quality of your last call. Describe how thequality of your last call could have been improved. Describe youroverall experience with your wireless communication service provider.Describe your overall satisfaction with your wireless communicationservice provider. Other Did you have dial tone problems when making thiscall? Press 1 for yes. Press 2 for no. Rate the call set up time forthis call. Please indicate if there were issues disconnecting from thiscall. Please indicate if there were problems handing off between cellsduring this call.

In addition to the above, other factors and techniques may be used inrating calls. For example, various different types of rating scales maybe implemented. In another example, users may be provided withdescriptive icons or graphics to select from to make call rating fastand easy.

Conclusion

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout thedescription and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and thelike are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to anexclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of“including, but not limited to.” Additionally, the words “herein,”“above,” “below” and words of similar import, when used in thisapplication, shall refer to this application as a whole and not to anyparticular portions of this application. When the claims use the word“or” in reference to a list of two or more items, that word covers allof the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in thelist, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the items inthe list.

The above detailed description of embodiments of the invention is notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise formdisclosed above. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, theinvention are described above for illustrative purposes, variousequivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the invention,as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. For example, whileprocesses or blocks are presented in a given order, alternativeembodiments may perform routines having steps, or employ systems havingblocks, in a different order, and some processes or blocks may bedeleted, moved, added, subdivided, combined, and/or modified. Each ofthese processes or blocks may be implemented in a variety of differentways. Also, while processes or blocks are at times shown as beingperformed in series, these processes or blocks may instead be performedin parallel, or may be performed at different times. Where the contextpermits, words in the above Detailed Description using the singular orplural number may also include the plural or singular number,respectively.

The teachings of the invention provided herein can be applied to othersystems, not necessarily the system described herein. The elements andacts of the various embodiments described above can be combined toprovide further embodiments. Aspects of the invention can be modified,if necessary, to employ the systems, functions, and concepts of thevarious related technologies to provide yet further embodiments of theinvention.

These and other changes can be made to the invention in light of theabove Detailed Description. While the above description details certainembodiments of the invention and describes the best mode contemplated,no matter how detailed the above appears in text, the invention can bepracticed in many ways. As noted above, particular terminology used whendescribing certain features or aspects of the invention should not betaken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to berestricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of theinvention with which that terminology is associated. In general, theterms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit theinvention to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification,unless the above Detailed Description section explicitly defines suchterms. Accordingly, the actual scope of the invention encompasses notonly the disclosed embodiments, but also all equivalent ways ofpracticing or implementing the invention under the claims.

While certain aspects of the invention are presented below in certainclaim forms, the inventors contemplate the various aspects of theinvention in any number of claim forms. For example, while only oneaspect of the invention is recited as embodied in a computer-readablemedium, other aspects may likewise be embodied in a computer-readablemedium. Accordingly, the inventors reserve the right to add additionalclaims after filing the application to pursue such additional claimforms for other aspects of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: establishing, by a wirelessmobile device, a first voice call with a first device; detecting anactivation of a button on the wireless mobile device while the firstvoice call is in progress; responsive to detecting the activation of thebutton, executing a user interface application on the wireless mobiledevice; collecting, while the first voice call between the wirelessmobile device and the first device is in progress, call qualityinformation via the user interface application; transmitting to a seconddevice, while the first voice call between the wireless mobile deviceand the first device is in progress, the call quality informationcollected via the user interface application, wherein analysis of thecall quality information occurs at the second device while the firstvoice call between the wireless mobile device and the first device is inprogress; and upon termination of the first voice call, automaticallyinitiating, by the wireless mobile device, a second voice call with thesecond device.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising transmittinglocation data for the wireless mobile device to the second device. 3.The method of claim 1, wherein transmitting the call quality informationto the second device comprises transmitting the call quality informationas text to the second device.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the userinterface application allows a user to rate the first voice call inmultiple call quality categories.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein theuser interface application allows a user to rate the first voice call inmultiple call quality categories by entering information using a keypadof the wireless mobile device.
 6. The method of claim 1, whereintransmitting the call quality information to the second device comprisestransmitting the call quality information as codes to the second device.7. The method of claim 1, wherein the user interface applicationprovides an option to collect the call quality information each timecall quality is below a level acceptable to a user.
 8. A mobilecommunications device comprising: a memory comprising computerinstructions; and a processor coupled to the memory, wherein, whenexecuting the computer instructions, the processor effectuatesoperations comprising: establishing a first voice call with a firstdevice; detecting an activation of a button on the mobile communicationsdevice while the first voice call is in progress; responsive todetecting the activation of the button, executing a user interfaceapplication on the mobile communications device; collecting, while thefirst voice call between the mobile communications device and the firstdevice is in progress, call quality information via the user interfaceapplication; transmitting to a second device, while the first voice callwith the first device is in progress, the call quality informationcollected via the user interface application, wherein analysis of thecall quality information occurs at the second device while the firstvoice call with the first device is in progress; and upon termination ofthe first voice call, automatically initiating a second voice call withthe second device.
 9. The mobile communications device of claim 8,wherein the operations further comprise transmitting location data forthe mobile communications device to the second device.
 10. The mobilecommunications device of claim 8, wherein the operation of transmittingthe call quality information to the second device comprises transmittingthe call quality information as text to the second device.
 11. Themobile communications device of claim 8, wherein the user interfaceapplication allows a user to rate the first voice call in multiple callquality categories.
 12. The mobile communications device of claim 8,wherein the user interface application allows a user to rate the firstvoice call in multiple call quality categories by entering informationusing a keypad of the mobile communications device.
 13. The mobilecommunications device of claim 8, wherein the operation of transmittingthe call quality information to the second device comprises transmittingthe call quality information as codes to the second device.
 14. Themobile communications device of claim 8, wherein the user interfaceapplication provides an option to collect the call quality informationeach time call quality is below a level acceptable to a user.
 15. Acomputer-readable storage medium that is not a propagating signal, thecomputer-readable storage medium comprising executable instructions thatwhen executed by a processor cause the processor to effectuateoperations comprising: establishing a first voice call with a firstdevice; detecting an activation of a button on a mobile communicationsdevice while the first voice call is in progress; responsive todetecting the activation of the button, executing a user interfaceapplication on the mobile communications device; collecting, while thefirst voice call between the mobile communications device and the firstdevice is in progress, call quality information via the user interfaceapplication; transmitting to a second device, while the first voice callwith the first device is in progress, the call quality informationcollected via the user interface application, wherein analysis of thecall quality information occurs at the second device while the firstvoice call with the first device is in progress; and upon termination ofthe first voice call, automatically initiating a second voice call withthe second device.
 16. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 15,wherein the operations further comprise transmitting location data forthe mobile communications device to the second device.
 17. Thecomputer-readable storage medium of claim 15, wherein the operation oftransmitting the call quality information to the second device comprisestransmitting the call quality information as text to the second device.18. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 15, wherein the userinterface application allows a user to rate the first voice call inmultiple call quality categories.
 19. The computer-readable storagemedium of claim 15, wherein the user interface application allows a userto rate the first voice call in multiple call quality categories byentering information using a keypad of the mobile communications device.20. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 15, wherein theoperation of transmitting the call quality information to the seconddevice comprises transmitting the call quality information as codes tothe second device.